The Florida Airports Council (FAC) is honoring Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) for recent sustainability projects. GNV was singled out among commercial airports for the 2013 J. Bryan Cooper Environmental Award during the Florida Airport Council’s annual conference held in Orlando the last week of July.

Projects garnering recognition for the airport include the rental car service facility, the rooftop photovoltaic solar panels and energy-efficient additions to the phase III terminal renovations.

“This is the community’s airport and the facilities and operations are a reflection of the entire region,” says Ian Fletcher, chairman of the Gainesville Alachua County Regional Airport Authority. “Our efforts in sustainability are something in which our passengers and local residents can take pride.”

Photovoltaic solar panels with the capacity to capture 292 kilowatts of power adorn the roof of the John R. Alison commercial terminal, as well as the roof of the rental car wash facility just west of the terminal. The car wash facility features a wastewater recovery/reuse and surface water management systems, as well as an irrigation system utilizing well water.

The annual award is presented for promoting, implementing or undertaking environmental projects and programs that have a positive effect on the Florida aviation system. The FAC looks for projects that demonstrate a balance between environmental benefits and financial viability. They also recognize the importance of partnerships with entities outside of aviation. The photovoltaic solar panel project and the participation in Gainesville Regional Utilities’ Feed In Tariff program were important.

“We are thankful to have so many great partners involved in our efforts at GNV,” says airport CEO Allan Penksa. “The staff at GRU was supportive and accommodating. GNV has had the assistance of focused engineers with Reynolds Smith & Hills and Passero & Associates who put all these pieces of the puzzle together. We must also thank our colleagues with the Florida Department of Transportation for assistance in securing funding for these initiatives.